
As I've gotten older, I've realized that in most aspects of my life, I don't have to have a knee-jerk hate-reaction to popular things. In my teens, I thought I was sooo cool because I liked the stuff that no one else liked. This mindset held me back from publicly loving Gossip Girl; realizing that Harry Styles is actually talented; and buying an iPhone. However, if there's one area in my life where I still like to push back against the mainstream, it's fragrance. Don't get me wrong, I love Santal 33 (opens in new tab) and Chanel No. 5 (opens in new tab) as much as the next girl. But I still feel embarrassed when someone comes up to me and correctly guesses my fragrance. A girl's signature scent (opens in new tab) is very personal, but I'm going to put aside my pride and share with you some of my all-time favorite, no-one-will-ever-guess-what-you're-wearing perfumes. From the chic to the weird to the absurd, these are the 6 best fragrances that no one you know wears.
Most beauty lovers are familiar with diptyque. But I can safely say I had never heard of this fragrance before stepping into their NYC boutique. Post-purchase, my perfume-ambivalent boyfriend asked, "Why do you smell like an airplane?" Mint is one of my all-time favorite scents, but it's so rarely included in perfumes. Contrary to my man's opinion, I think this fragrance is fresh, slightly masculine, and perfect for all seasons.
19-69 is my go-to spot for fragrances. There's not a bad one in the entire mix. Between this scent and CHRONIC, a slightly marijuana-reminiscent fragrance, I could easily wear nothing else. KASBAH plays on my romantic image of fall and wintertime, reminding me of warm apple cider with a shot of bourbon and a cinnamon stick. Each scent in the 19-69 collection has a story behind it; I recommend that everyone buys a sampler kit before picking their favorites, because there are just so many good ones.
A fun fact for you: The Swedes know how to make good perfumes. Stora Skuggan is the perfect example of this phenomenon. I'll admit that I was first attracted to the brand because of their stellar packaging that infinitely upgrades the look of my bathroom sink. But you'll find that there's no occasion where you wouldn't want to wear this. Mistpouffer is a very enigmatic scent, with notes that include smoke vetiver and fig leaf pine.
If you've ever wanted to smell like a French movie star in the '60s without the nicotine addiction, this perfume will give you that chance, minus the harmful substances. Old Hollywood glamor is my soft spot, only I never got around to buying a mink shawl. With notes of jasmine, tobacco, apricot, and musk, among others, you'll smell like a luxurious starlet lighting a Virginia Slims cigarette before getting into a big, public fight with a producer.
Serge Lutens is no stranger to unusual perfumes, as evidenced by Dent de Lait, which smells like losing your first tooth. What does that smell like, you ask? Apparently, like milk, metal, and almonds. If you want to recapture that memory of losing your first tooth (for me: on a drive to go skiing while eating mini Oreos) in a chic way, spritz this on and take a walk down memory lane.
Picture this: You're escaping from prison, on horseback, chasing a train, with a pistol. Maybe Clint Eastwood is there, who's to say? This perfume, like all of D.S. & Durga's fragrances, captures the essence of that experience without smelling like sweat and horses. Instead, the fragrance notes are of wild grasses and flowers, which is slightly more appealing. If you've ever wanted to take a walk on the wild side, this perfume will transport you there.
Tatjana Freund is a Beauty Commerce Writer, covering makeup, skincare, and haircare products and trends. She's a fan of vodka tonics and creepy Wikipedia pages.
-
Hairstylists Agree: These Are the Biggest Hair Trends for 2023
It’s the year of sleek, statement-making styles and baby bangs.
By Samantha Holender
-
Rita Ora Breaks Down the Beauty Symbolism in “You Only Love Me”
The singer talks to Marie Claire about her favorite Iconic London products, the hidden meaning behind her bridal beauty glam, and why Sophia Loren was the inspiration for her “playful” makeup.
By Samantha Holender
-
The Most Eagerly Anticipated Action Movies of 2023
It's going to be an exciting spring for action movie fans.
By Quinci LeGardye
-
How Often You Should Wash Your Hair, According To Experts
Keep it fresh, my friends.
By Gabrielle Ulubay
-
The 11 Best Magnetic Lashes of 2023
Go ahead and kiss your messy lash glue goodbye.
By Hana Hong
-
The 25 Best Hair Growth Shampoos of 2023, According to Experts
Rapunzel-like hair, coming right up.
By Gabrielle Ulubay
-
The 23 Best Beauty Advent Calendars of 2023
The gift that keeps on giving—literally.
By Julia Marzovilla
-
The 18 Best Natural Hair Products in 2023
Remember: Your curls are your crown.
By Gabrielle Ulubay
-
The 9 Best Hot Rollers for the Curls of Your Dreams
This is how we roll.
By Samantha Holender
-
The 12 Best Cream Eyeshadows, According to Makeup Artists
The best part? They’re so easy to apply.
By Samantha Holender
-
The 17 Best Sea Salt Sprays for Beach Waves
Perfect vacation hair with these fake-it-'til-you-make-it products.
By Gabrielle Ulubay